My Flight In A B-17

Mossyoakglock · October 14, 2009

I had the experience of a lift-time this weekend. I got to fly in a WWII B-17 named the Aluminum Overcast. If you have any interest in WWII or airplanes, this is a must. The only two B-17s that I know of that fly tours is the Aluminum Overcast and the Liberty Belle. These are 2 of only 15 B-17's that are still airworthy and fewer and fewer planes fly each year due to the enormous costs for maintaining these under flying status. There are only 53 in existence, either flying or static. I just thought I would share some pictures of the flight and the plane itself.

Here are some stats on the how many where built, what it costs to keep them flying and which ones are still air worthy.

http://www.johnweeks.com/b17active/index.html

Has anybody ever had the chance go take a flight in a B-17? Here are some pictures, so enjoy.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43544664@N06/...57622580915958/

Here is a video of start-up and taxi. This was not taken by me, but it is of the same plane. Between the sound of the exhaust and the rotors, the sound is amazing. The exhaust is the best part.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DcfyWaD0vQ...feature=related

700 sportsman · October 14, 2009

Wow I bet that was super neat

ColoradoSkiCountry · October 14, 2009

There is nothing like the sound of 4 Wright radial props both at idle and spooling up to military power.

txab · October 14, 2009

doverarjim · October 14, 2009

Flying in war birds is great only problem is I am not a pilot and the ones I want a ride in only have one seat!!! Did get to ride in a B-25 one time and it was great. The site did not list any which I thought was funny. The one I flew in was from West Texas and Howard Pardue was the pilot when I when for my ride, he also has some other planes, an F8-F Bearcat that he races at Reno and a Hawker Seafury.

Spurshot · October 14, 2009

Very cool. I'm a pilot and have always wanted to ride in one. A P-51 is on my list too.

Airspeed-Alive · October 14, 2009

Very cool. I'm a pilot and have always wanted to ride in one. A P-51 is on my list too.

Words right out of my mouth.

Mossyoakglock · October 14, 2009

There is nothing like the sound of 4 Wright radial props both at idle and spooling up to military power.

You are correct, sir. One of the coolest sounds I have ever heard.

For those of you in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana, the Aluminum Overcast will be down there until the end of the year for those of you who wish to take a flight. If you can't fly, it's free to just go down there, take pictures, watch it fly, etc. But, if you want to take a tour of the inside, it's $5 since the foundation runs solely on donations and touring.